Spirit Day couture became fashion statement

Yesterday, like a lot of people nationwide, I wore purple in memory of gay teens who have committed suicide recently, many as the result of bullying.

Now, wearing purple is not a biggie for me. I have purple suede Ralph Lauren sneakers and purple Levi’s that I joke came from The Joker’s yard sale. I wear them often, to the chagrin of my plus-ones and co-workers. But last night, it proved to get me more notice than usual.

I attended the opening of the new Montblanc store at NorthPark clad in the sneaks and the jeans, plus a pale green shirt as well as my signature red-and-black Alain Mikli eyeglasses. I was a walking Crayola box.

“You are the most interestingly dressed man at this event,” said a woman I had never met before, a Highland Park Realtor. “You must be a designer or someone deeply involved in fashion.”

“No,” I explained. “Just gay.”

So, for all my friends who criticize my fashion sense I say this: How often have you had someone who can afford couture tell you your off-the-rack wardrobe made you look like a fashion trendsetter? … Hmmm? … Didn’t think so.